Baseball isn’t your thing? Can’t get tickets in time for a game? Don’t worry, as there is more to the surrounding area of Tokyo Dome that people can enjoy even if they do not watch the baseball game.
Whether it’s amusement park rides, shopping, other fun activities or just relaxing, there are plenty of reasons why you should go to Tokyo Dome City even if you are not doing something baseball-related. Here are a few examples:
1. Admire the view of Tokyo Dome while singing karaoke by riding the Big O
Want a slow ride that allows you to see all of Tokyo Dome from above with a fun twist that make the experience more enjoyable for friends and family? Then definitely go on the Big O at least once. The Big O has a diameter of 60 meters (nearly 200 feet) but allows you to see the ground from 80 meters (about 262 feet) above.
It is also the first centerless Ferris wheel according to Guinness World Records, and is also non-rotating. Additionally, you can choose to listen to music or even karaoke with family or friends, making it a slow, yet memorable ride that you will have a great time in.
Open hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and costs ¥1,000 (approximately USD $6.92, depending on the conversion rate).
2. Experience the exhilarating and fast-paced Thunder Dolphin roller coaster
Looking for thrills? Thunder Dolphin is a steel roller coaster designed by Intamin Amusement Rides and is famous for being the tallest coaster in Tokyo, standing at around 80 meters tall (about 262 feet). In this 3,500-foot-long course, you will pass through a hole in the LaQua building, through the Big O, and go down a massive drop with a maximum tilt angle at about 80 degrees, all while riding at speeds up to 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph). Moving at breakneck speeds is sure to give you some amazing views, providing a thrilling experience.
Open hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and costs ¥1,500 (about USD $10.38).
3. Shop around inside the LaQua mall
If you are looking for places to shop next to Tokyo Dome that aren’t baseball souvenir shops, you do not have to walk super far to get to the LaQua mall. The mall is both indoors and outdoors, and it consists of five floors of shopping where you can find clothes, phone accessories, house supplies and even a spa that takes up multiple floors. Whether it’s for shopping or just to find a time to relax, the LaQua mall will be sure to provide that opportunity to visitors.
Open hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (some shops and restaurants vary).
4. Grab a bite at the restaurants around the amusement park or the Deli and Dish Market
Feeling peckish? There are plenty of restaurants around the amusement park that may be for you. For example, you can try some authentic Japanese sushi, ramen, tempura and other delicious dishes around the area. But the area is not limited to just Japanese cuisine, as there are Italian, Korean, Thai and more dishes from around the world. There is also the Deli and Dish Market where you may buy something to bring with you and heat up later.
Open hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (Deli and Dish Market opens and closes an hour earlier).
5. Admire the fountains moving in sync with the music at the Water Symphony
Need to sit down, relax and possibly watch a short performance? On the ground floor of the amusement park, there is the Water Symphony, which is a water and light fountain show that is set to popular classical music. It has different performances six times a day, sometimes even having seasonal performances and programs to match events at Tokyo Dome City. You can watch this beautiful and eye-catching performance throughout the day.
Open hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., six times a day. You can watch it for free.
6. Play some arcade games or get a claw machine prize at GIGO
Want to challenge your friends at some arcade games? Wish to make an attempt at that darn claw machine that never seems to give you anything? Well go check out GIGO Arcade. While GIGO is located all over Tokyo, challenging your friends to Mario Kart Arcade GP or a rhythm game before a baseball game is sure to make for some fine entertainment.
Open hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
7. Collect new manga volumes or anime merchandise at Jump Shop
Excited to read through newer volumes of your favorite manga series? Want to reread through older arcs? Are you here to shop for some collectibles of your favorite anime characters? If any of these questions appeal to you, look no further than Jump Shop, an official Shueisha-licensed store that sells original merchandise and products featuring characters and works from the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, which publishes many famous titles such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Demon Slayer and more.
Open hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Tokyo Dome is somewhere both baseball fans and non-baseball fans alike should visit. Whether you have some downtime before or after a game, or are not interested in the game but still want to check out the area, Tokyo Dome will sure be an experience that you remember for one reason or another when visiting Tokyo, as it was for a lot of SJMC Japan students. Even if you don’t watch a game, there are plenty of other experiences around the area that are equally as enjoyable to many.
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